As a precautionary measure to cope with the upcoming flood season, the Three Gorges Dam on theYangtze River is discharging water to lower the water level in the reservoir as plannedby the Three Gorges Corporation. The photo shot by a UAV on May 15 clearly shows that the waterstorageof the reservoirhas been reducing as indicated by the water level mark along the reservoir bank near the Muyu Island Park in Zigui County located upstream of the dam.

　　The maximum water level of the ThreeGorges Reservoiris 175 meters, and its valid flood control volume is 22.15 billion cubic meters. Every year, the reservoir stores water in the late flood period. Then, from the dry season to the next pre-flood season of theYangtze River, water will be released to the downstreamgradually from the reservoir to increase its storage capacitywith an aim to maximize the comprehensive benefitsofflood control, power generation, water supplement and shipping.

　　Reported by Xinhua News Agency (Photo by Zheng Jiayu)